New user, and new cuda owner!

[viper21700]

 
Well gents and ladies, to introduce myself, my name is mike. Im 32 years old, a sailor in the US navy, and now the proud owner of a 1966 Plymouth Cuda! just bought the girl today. mostly all original (engine has been changed, new 360 vice the 273 that came factory) This car was a treasure trove of goodies, had the original manual, the build sheet, the "certicard" still in its factory holder in the engine compartment. Had the center console, everything interior is original down the the AM radio (yes its going to stay that way..  making a box to put between the console and the back seat for a new model radio, with the wiring ran to the speakers and attached via MOLEX connectors) heck even the headliner is original. Oh- and the spare tire was the original spare with very little dry rot. It was a California car and the previous owner found it in a garage. If I can figure out how to put some pics up I will!
"happier than a pig in mud!"

[viper21700]

Took me a bit to resize, heres a good pic of the girl as she stands now. And ignore the MD license plate lol, its not current and isn't on the car anymore! 

[74challenger03]

  Nice ride and welcome to the site

[viper21700]

Thanks 74. I plan on keeping her fairly original, with some hidden upgrades (modern remote mount stereo, third brake light mod, etc) any ideas on restoring the factory plastic lenses?

[usraptr]

Congrats on you new purchase and welcome to C.C. . She's a beauty.  Keep us posted on your progress.   

[ChallengerHK]

Welcome. I love those cars. Truly the first "pony" car.

[74challenger03]

this is a way I restored my headlights on my bonneville    Post subject: Headlight restoration without tools, 7 month update pg 4
PostPosted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 6:17 pm
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Joined: Mon May 19, 2008 6:08 pm
Posts: 6165
Location: Sanford, Michigan
Year and Trim: 2003 SSEi    
This method has been in testing for a few years now on autogeek, figured I would give it a try. Real world testing shows up to two years of durability before hazing again vs. Three to six months with polishing or wetsanding and polishing alone.

You will need
wet sandpaper - 400, 600, 1000, 2000, and 2500 if you can find it but not absolutely necessary, 2500 was not used here.
Minwax Helmsman Spar urethane clear gloss, yes it is for wood, but it has UV protection.
Odorless mineral spirits.
Foam staining brush.

All said and done, this cost maybe $35 - $40 and is easy to do, have enough left to do probably 100 more headlights

Start with a nasty looking headlight

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Wetsand starting with the coarsest grit, working to the finest.

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Mix the urethane and mineral spirits 50/50 and apply with the foam brush in quick strokes, careful to not apply too thick to avoid runs.

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Let it set for a couple hours and enjoy your new looking headlights


Zoom in (real dimensions: 1024 x 577)Image


Zoom in (real dimensions: 1024 x 577)Image


Zoom in (real dimensions: 1024 x 577)Image


Zoom in (real dimensions: 1024 x 577)Image

_________________
Ryan
Check out my detailing page on facebook! --> Next Level Automotive Detailing

[viper21700]

Thanks for the tip 74. Bout to start my Questions/advice thread up in the main forums so feel free to throw in some words of wisdom lol.

[jimynick]

Welcome to the site and that's a nice old gal. Good luck with your modifications and enjoy your ride. 

[viper21700]

Thanks Jimyknick! When I start the work, Ill make sure to post a thread on the build with pics.

[cudamadd]

 Nice little fish looks great